Theater Guild presents 'James and the Giant Peach'

Thursday

Jul 25, 2013 at 12:55 PM

The Chippewa Theater Guild is getting ready to stage their first children's production this summer. The Guild is producing the family play, “James and the Giant Peach”, based on the book by Roald Dahl and adapted for stage by Richard R. George. This Guild production was supported, in part, from a generous grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.

By Colleen Lavey

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa Theater Guild is getting ready to stage their first children's production this summer. The Guild is producing the family play, "James and the Giant Peach", based on the book by Roald Dahl and adapted for stage by Richard R. George. This Guild production was supported, in part, from a generous grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.

"James and the Giant Peach" is a popular children's novel written in 1961 by British author Roald Dahl. The story revolves around a magical peach. An imprisoned boy. Insect friends. An incredible journey. This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter, played by Duncan Lavey, will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. Roald Dahl's story comes hilariously to life in this delightful dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises.

You will see James (as he cleverly gets the Peach out of danger), the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper, played by Riley Wilson, and the pessimistic Earthworm, played by Aleksandra Smith. You will also see James' mean Aunt Spiker, played by Hannah Cook, and cruel Aunt Sponge, played by Mary Ellis, come to a suitably sticky end. The story is told through the narrator, Kati Doti, as she leads the audience through this fantastic journey.

Come and see all of your favorite characters from the book: Ladybird, played by Autumn Ellis, Glow-worm, played by Alaina Ellis, Spider, played by Eden Palmer, Silkworm, played by Chelsea Adams, and Centipede, played by Stevie LaLonde. This is a very special performance by some extremely talented young children.

This classic children's novel, brought to life on stage, is directed by two university students. Jaelinn Soeltner is going into her fourth year as a theatre major at Adrian College. Brielle Smith will be beginning her second year at LSSU as a business/marketing major. Jaelinn and Brielle have been involved with theater since they were in high school. This is their first time stepping into the role of the director. They have enjoyed the challenge of working with the children. To see all of their hard work and efforts come to fruition, was been a very rewarding experience.

Performance dates and times are July 26 and July 27 at 7 p.m. and July 28 at 2 p.m. at The Guild Theater, 700 Eureka St., Sault Ste. Marie. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available for sale at MacMaster Realty, 2000 Ashmun St., or call 635-1000 or may be purchased at the door. Box office opens a half an hour before showtime.